The activity of four economic operators was also suspended due to the lack of adequate hygiene and technical-functional conditions.

In a statement, ASAE specifies that the five criminal cases were related to food, merchandise fraud and clandestine slaughter. Among the 58 infraction processes, the main infractions include lack of hygiene, irregularities in the principles of food production and handling (known as HACCP), and irregularities in food labelling, among others.

In addition to the food seizure, ASAE reports in total the seized products have an estimated value of more than 10 thousand euros.

The nationwide inspection operation aimed to “guarantee food safety and safeguard consumer confidence in the foods that are part of the celebrations of this festive season”.

Special inspection was carried out on foods that are most popular at Christmas and New Year's Eve. 430 economic operators were inspected.